Thursday, August 27, 2015

It has been quite a while since I last wrote here. I've been more active on Instagram, but I just haven't found the time to do the long verse of my life lately. Two major things: I got a new job and we bought a place. Double woo hoo!

Due to those two major life changes things got a little...hectic. When life started settling back to normal, summer was about. Anytime free time I had turned into a choice of, do I go outside and frolic or write a blog post? Guess which one won?

Yeah dude, we went on a spontaneous canoe adventure. Donovan, C, and I were walking back from brunch through the park and we hear a guy from a boat floating in the park's pond that there are free canoe rides. We didn't believe him at first, but sure enough, there were free canoe rides over by the boat house. Initially, Donovan wasn't keen on doing the canoe thing, but decided that she had to because she was wearing her Lumberjanes shirt.* So, thanks to the Friends of the Chicago River, we were off canoeing at 10am on a random Sunday. It was awesome. Oddly enough, Donovan and I saw this same organization at the 606 opening, but didn't really think much of them (except that they had good free swag). It was nice to bump into them again and get down with some outdoor fun.

Needless to say, the three of us fell hard for canoeing. Since Donovan has been my source for Lumberjanes issues and the characters are who mentally pushed her to go ahead and canoe, I got her one of the Lumberjanes merit badges. Oh how I am a sucker for merit badges. I ended getting myself one too and I'm excited to stitch it onto my hiking bag. Speaking of which, C and I are going camping soon and we hope to rent a canoe while we are there to paddle about the park. I'm pretty excited about the whole trip as we haven't had the time to go camping all darn summer. We had a swell trip lined-up for Spring, but that was the weekend we ended up moving, so we had to cancel it. Erg.

Anywho, I am back to keep this part of the internet active, though I certainly won't be posting on a weekly level. I'll report back on our camping trip after we return.

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Hi all! I have had a few projects rotating lately, so I haven't had a chance to write here in a while. I am trying to remind myself to take moments to be still, grateful, and to decompress. Of course, I don't do any of those things. I just keep plowing through on projects until I get loopy and stress myself out. But, this moment, right now, I am taking the time to do just that. To realize how much I do have in life, even if the projects I have in the works don't come to fruition. If some things fall through, I am surrounded by some amazing people in my life that will help me through it.

As for the projects I that I can talk about, I am so pleased that the Letter Writers Alliance site has been so well received after the redesign. I am also pleased as (spiked) punch that so many people are enjoying Murder She Drank. I ended up making a Wordpress site for it and we started a Twitter account for it too. If you like watching good/bad TV while drinking and playing bingo, you should totally join us next time we have a Murder She Drank.

Lastly, Donovan and I hosted a fun workshop called Mix & Mailology where we taught how to make a cocktail and then made mail art off of that theme. Hot Toddies launched this new workshop series of ours, so we drank, made envelopes out of tea boxes, and wrote letters on tea stained paper. We haven't figured out the next workshop's cocktail will be, but we know it will take place in early summer.

As for the other projects, I hope I can reveal them all soon. Until then, take some time for yourself and be thankful.

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Go figure that on the day Chicago was -20 I couldn't stop day dreaming about my next camping trip. I got some of that energy out on my winter hike, but it hasn't stopped me from planning.

We already have our first camping trip of the year set and we may even be joined by our friend and her 4 year old. Adding a toddler to the scene adds a few extras (I hear bubbles and glow sticks are the thing), but I'm also thinking about streamlining our packing and what new things we should be adding for the long term. So, here are things that are in my pack right now and things I hope to get in the future. All of these are not taking the toddler into account, because that is a whole 'nother barrel of monkeys. I'm just trying to plan for my permanent go-to camp needs.

First, let me break down some items I got last year that I find to be extremely useful in camping.

Compression bagsI got two compression bags and am so so pleased with them. (I got the ALPS Mountaineering XL size.) It squishes down our towels, sheets, pillows, and sleeping bag into tiny bundles that are easy to throw about and pack.

Tiny, but bright, light sourcesI've had the same big lantern for years now. It is the same lantern I remember using after Hurricane Andrew went through Miami when I lived there. It is heavy and takes up so much space when packing; I wanted to find a better alternative. I was gifted two great lanterns. One is the battery powered CREE XLamp Camping LED Lantern and the candle-powered UCO Candle Lantern. I love both. They are compact and bright. I use the candle lantern on the picnic table and the electric lantern for walking around and in the tent.

Compact First Aid kitThis is a no brainer. I also recommend adding burn-gel to your first aid kit. I have the Adventure Medical Kit 2.0 size that has almost everything you need. I opted to get a ready-made kit because of the carrying case and that I just had to customize it with small items (like burn gel). There are plenty of tutorials online on how to make your own, should you wish to go that route. The point is to make it small enough to pack and well organized enough to find what you need when scared/stressed/bitten/bloody.

Reusable cups and mugsCoffee is a definite needed item when we camp. We used to bring mugs from home, but I was always afraid they would break. I ended-up getting enamel mugs and really enjoy using them. The coffee stays hot, they are easy to clean, and they won't break. The same goes with drinking cups. I was taking plastic disposable ones, but eh...I like nature, so why do that to the earth? I got Klean Kanteen's 16oz pint 4-pack to use for both water and beer. They are durable and nice to drink out of. I still havne't made the switch to enamel plates, but I hope to soon.

Now, let's talk about the things I want to get for camping this year!I'd love your guys input on any of these items. If you already own them or if you have a better suggestion, please let me know.

Kick-ass double sleeping bagThis is all to do with streamlining. Right now we use a sleeping bag, opened up, as floor padding and then add our sheets, pillows, and blankets. I'm eyeing a Queen Size Flannel Lined Sleeping Bag as a nice way to roll all those things into one package. No need to pack sheets and a blanket, which takes up so much space and get kicked off and moved around.

Alternative cooking sourceI was gifted an alcohol "stove" burner, so I was thinking of getting a folding pot stand for it. I'm hoping it will be a faster way to boil water for coffee in the morning and a good alternative if we can't get a fire started. Eventually, (see: a few years) we will get ourselves a Primus folding stove. My FIL has one and I'm hoping we will be able to "take it off his hands" soon.

Better Water SystemOur drinking solution has been to freeze gallons of water and use them as a cold source in our cooler. This sounds like a great idea, but it has some issues. Firstly, the gallons leak. If the seams don't bust open due to the water freezing, the condensation will drive you mad. Having that water in the cooler also takes away space from food you could be storing in there with much slimmer ice solutions. I recently saw this "pack tap" that looks like a good solution. It uses the bag system that you find in boxed wine and it folds up when not in use. All the camp sites I've been to have potable water available for free, so you just bring this pack filled-up, hang it and use the tap to fill your glass, then refill when empty. I was also thinking it would be good to have a second one around for beer or wine.

On the water note, I also would like a better water transportation system for washing up. There are plenty of collapsible/fold-able water buckets around, but I'm liking this one because the price is good and it seems pretty sturdy. Does anyone have a better recommendation for a fold-able water bucket?

More Light!This is so not needed, but I kind of want to get the UCO three candle lantern. I think it will make the camp look nice and provide some lovely light. They also have citronella candles that fit into the lantern, which would be nice.

Spoiled while sleepingI was lamenting to a friend of mine how the sleeping pads we have really aren't enough for us. We both sleep on our sides and I just wake-up with a numb hip in the morning. She suggested we get a battery powered air mattress. At first I thought, "no way!" but she said that they had a thin one that was just perfect for about $80. So, I'm slightly considering this option so that we can both get a comfy night sleep. Oddly enough, the model air mattress I'm looking at will take up less space all rolled-up than our sleeping pads take when they are folded up. That's a win for minimalizing packing.

Whew, so, those are what I hope to be packing up in my car for camping this year, but I'm not totally convinced yet on my possible purchases. Is there anything you love for your camping trips?

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Oh guys, I so love this book written by Helen Hoover. A Place in the Woods is similar to We Took to the Woods by Rich, but it is a bit more relatable. Firstly, Helen and her husband lived in Chicago befor they made their move to the woods, so that linked with my personal experience. Secondly, they are not these wild foragers hunting deer in the forrest. Helen didn't really know how to cook when she started on this "adventure" and they ate most of their food out of cans and other packages. It is refreshing to read about these people who went out to be alone in the woods while not being these completely experienced hunters or outdoorsmen.

Helen Hoover and her husband, Oct 1963, photographed by Earl Seubert

To add to the beauty and complexity of Helen's story, the writing is so well done that is sometimes borders on poetic. Her husband's gorgeous illustations are sprinkled through out the book and were so great to read along her prose. There are many quoatable passages from this book, but the one that sticks with me is nearly close to the end:

"You feel safe...secure. I suppose we shouldn't, not with our uncertain future, but security's an illusion anyway, except for something in yourself. For me, it's feeling I can handle whatever is dealt out to me, one day at a time."

- Helen Hoover, A Place in the Woods, pg 277

This book was a great read and I suspect is what got me all riled-up to start planning camping trips so early in the year. Either way, I highly suggest you read this book. Helen is so honest in their experience in their first year living in the woods, it is hard not to fall for them and their friends. I'm planning on devouring many more of her books!

Wednesday, February 04, 2015

A few weeks ago I got it into my head that I HAD to go for a hike. Thankfully, mother nature was kind and delivered three days of above freezing weather to Chicago. I took advantage of a day when it was 35 degree and rambled over to Palos Forest Preserve. (I went there in the summer and really loved it. I figured I should check it out while it is snow covered.)

Over the summer, I drove over to the Wolf Road Woods parking to start my hike from there. This time around the road was closed right at Pulaski Woods. (PDF of trail map) So I parked there and walked up the icy road to make my way to the head of the orange trail.

Getting there on the iced asphalt was a bit dicey, but once I got onto the trail it was all good. It was a mix of slush, mud, and ice, but doable. Most of the other people I passed on the trail were with dogs, so if you have any, this may be a good place to take them. The pups are saw were running about in pure glee.

My boots crunching in the snow made my walking pretty loud, so I didn't really see any wildlife unless I stopped for a few minutes. What I did see, in these moments of rest, were woodpeckers, blue jays, and squirrels. The woodpeckers were especially noisy and the Blue jays were so so blue against the snow.

I saw some people skating on the iced-over lake that is in the preserve, though I don't know if I would have risked it with the temps above freezing. Either way, the snowy romp was exactly what I needed and I hope I can visit the preserves at least one more time before winter is out.

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

I just recently finished a YA book written in 1916 called The Camp Fire Girls in the Maine Woods (or, The Winnebagos Go Camping) that I have mixed feelings about. Let's start with that main issue: the writing isn't very good. The moral lesson is very high in this book and is often spelled out in a way that almost reads as an outline to what the author was given as a guide. Out of the entire book, there is only one instance of one of the girls doing something "bad" that she does not get punished for in one way or another. The only reason I think she was given a freebie is because she was "punished" by nearly getting the wits scared out of her. The rest of the adventures follow the pattern of fun, a girl steps out of line, said girl gets a boot in her butt from karma.

That being said, there are some extremely poetic passages describing nature in this book. Take for example:

"I have never seen such cloud pictures as I saw that night. Once it looked as if a black-robed priest were holding the moon before him like a basin, while a polar bear stood upright beside him, his paws resting on the carved pillar."

The character Migwan wrote that in her journal after the girls took a midnight swim. She also made herself a little tree house for sleeping in one night, also having an affair with the night sky:

"The moon and stars seemed very close, when she finally had the bed fixed to her satisfaction and stood looking around her. In fact, it seemed as if she could put out her hand and grasp the Great Bear by the tail. Jupiter was just at her left hand, peeking impudently through the branches while she undressed. Down below the tents gleamed ghostly in the pale light. ... It was too beautiful to sleep through and Migwan lay awake hour after hour in wonder and delight, watching the moon steer her placid course across the sky."

Absolutely gorgeous. These type of passages are sprinkled through out the story, but are few and far between. Even though the writing isn't very strong and the character building lessons are very transparent, you have to appreciate the strong female element from this early 20th century children's book. Every single girl in this story is independent and self-sufficient. They break the mold of what the standards for women were at this time. Their friendships are extremely loyal and there are also mentions and examples of these girls (gasp) going to college and working for a living when they grow up.

"I have surprised an acorn in a gross neglect of duty. He is lying on the ground where he fell last Fall and hasn't sprouted in the least. I thought all acorns aspired to be oak trees. Think of being a nut half an inch long, and in that half inch to have the power of becoming the King of the Forest, and then let that power lie unused! If I were an acorn I would feel eternally disgraced if I hadn't sprouted"

Hinpoha duly portrayed the delinquent acorn. "Ill tell you what we'll do when we grow up," she said, "you write books and I'll illustrate them!"

The Camp Fire Girls were a real organization, once larger than the Girl Scouts. Their structure was heavily influenced by the Native American culture. The ceremonial gowns the girls wore for their award ceremonies are based off Native American women's gowns. It was on these gown that they strung their honor beads, personal emblems, and other awards. In my reading of the history of the organization and the outlook taken from this one book in the series, the Native American inspiration is treated extremely well, especially for this era. It reads as a natural way to express the girl's love of nature. I've only done cursory research on to how the influence has been used by the organization, so please let me know if this is otherwise.

This book is not amazing, but I enjoyed reading about these girls' adventures. I plan to give the series a second chance with the very first book, which was written by a different author (Margaret Penrose). I could see this story being extremely attractive (and a good influence) on Elementary level children.

One word of warning: I have read that some books in this series contains racial slurs and prejudice, which is something that is slightly common in books from this era (unfortunately). Please keep that in mind if you plan to read this stories to your children.

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

How has 2015 been treating everyone so far? I've been pretty good at balancing work, play, and relaxation this month. I was in dire need of this balance considering I was a complete mess the last two months. That should teach me to overbook myself!

Lately I've been busy working on re-doing the L.W.A. website. Both the membersite and public site are getting re-worked from scratch. Although I've refreshed the site several times over the years, there were plenty of things from 2003 (when I first built the site) hanging around. Clean slate and I hope you all will enjoy using it when it goes up in a week or two.

Speaking of which, they very first L.W.A. event of the year is in two days! This Thursday is our first social of the year at the Uncle Art Gallery in Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood. You can get a head start on Valentines or finish up those holiday thank yous. Join us anytime between 7PM - 9PM this Thursday (Jan 22) where we'll have letter writing supplies and snacks.

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Happy Holidays Everyone! I'm visiting family and enjoying some lovely food, great booze, and vintage movies. I thought it would be nice to look at some of our favorite leading ladies in holiday photos. Below are just a few that I enjoy.

Monday, December 08, 2014

Landscape with Fishermen at the Mouth of a River, Georges Michel (1763 - 1843)

At no season does Paris look more beautifully than early December. There is a curious light, particular to the Ile de France and faithfully interpreted by the painter Michel, which brings out all the shades, from primrose to navy blue, implicit in the beige and gray of the landscape buildings. The river becomes a steely flood which matches the huge clouds rolling overhead. As this is not, like harvest time or the first warm days of spring, one of those seasons that induce an almost animal craving for field and forest, you can sit by the fire, look out of the window and peacefully enjoy the prospect.

Hello!

Kathy here. I'm the history nerd behind this blog as well as one half of the stationery shop 16 Sparrows. I'm also co-founder of the member- based group, The Letter Writers Alliance. If you are new here, check out some of the most popular posts and work your way from there.

write more letters

Dec 6th (Sunday)World-WideVirtual Letter Social3pm-4:30pm Central
Join Kathy and Donovan via live video as we write some letters. This would be a great time to knock some of your holiday cards out while "meeting" some of your fellow members.Event Page

Jan, 10th (Sunday)World-WideL.W.A. Book Club12:30-1:30pm Central
Join Kathy, Donovan, and a special guest via live video while we discuss 'Letters to the Lost,' by Iona Grey. Discussion and further info can be found on the Goodreads book group page.Join us online: Event Page

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All images, unless otherwise noted, are copyright by me. Please do not use my images without asking. Artist images are copyright by the respective artists. Recipes, magazine spreads, and historical items are copyright by the respective owners/companies.